Ashes 2023: Five players to watch out for in the 3rd Test

England are in deep trouble after losing the first two Tests of the Ashes 2023. Ahead of the series, there were a lot of talks about England’s Bazball playing style, however, following England’s defeat in the opening Tests, it could be said that the hosts’ playing style has hurt them and now they will have to chalk out a solid plan to counter Australia, who looked fierce in both Tests. On the other side, the Pat Cummins-led Australia will look forward to winning the third Test at Headingley, Leeds, and registering the Test series victory against England on England soil after 22 years. In the huge game, both teams will heavily bank on their players who have put up stunning shows in the competition. Here are the five players who could become game-changers in the third Ashes Test 5. Ben Duckett Ben Duckett’s role will be crucial in the do-or-die game at Headingley. In the opening Test at Edgbaston, he failed to be efficient with his bat, scoring 12 and 19 but in the second match, the left-handed batter made a solid contribution to England, with his brilliant knocks of 98 and 83. England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum will expect Duckett to continue his form in the remaining matches of the competition and help England snatch the urn from the Aussies. So far, Duckett's opening partner Zak Crawley hasn’t performed consistently to reinforce England’s batting department, and noting that Duckett will have to deliver solid innings to his side. In the previous Test, Duckett crossed the 1000-run mark. The 28-year-old reached the significant milestone in just 23 innings of 12 games. Duckett’s recent impressive achievement will boost his confidence to give his best in the upcoming contest. 4. Mitchell Starc After warming benches in the opening Test, Mitchell Starc became a part of the side in the second match at Lord’s, London. Reinforcing the Aussie pace attack at the iconic venue, Starc won the hearts of his team’s supporters with his exceptional fast bowling. Picking up six wickets in the game, Starc became the leading wicket-taker in the match. In the first innings, Starc played a vital role in containing England on 325 and helping his team to take a 91-run lead. The speedster picked up Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook, and broke the back of England’s batting unit. Starc continued his good work in the second innings as well. Defending 370 for his team, Starc delivered a perfect start to his team, dismissing Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope in the initial overs. The early breakthrough from the veteran pacer helped captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as well to build pressure on the hosts to pocket the game by 43 runs. 3. Jonny Bairstow Jonny Bairstow kicked off his campaign in the Ashes 2023 confidently with his brilliant 78-run knock in the first innings of the Edgbaston Test. In the second innings, Nathan Lyon displayed his magic to send the wicketkeeper batter back to the pavilion on 20 runs. In his 20-run knock, Bairstow exuded confidence, scoring three fours in the innings In the second Test, the batting veteran flopped in the first innings after scoring only 16. This time, Josh Hazlewood got rid of him. While following 371 in the second innings, Bairstow’s role was essential for England to make a comeback in the series. After the fall of five wickets, the partnership between Bairstow and captain Ben Stokes was a hope of ray for England to pull off the game. However, the twist in the match arrived when Bairstow got stumped in a controversial manner. With a lot of talks going around after his debatable dismissal, Bairstow will now look to take the Aussie bowling unit to the cleaners in the third Test. 2. Usman Khawaja Usman Khawaja has played his part magnificently in the tournament, so far. In the first Test, Khawaja powered his side to a two-wicket triumph with his scintillating innings of 141 and 65. For his spunky batting performance, Khawaja also ended up becoming the Player of the Match. In the first innings of the second match, Khawaja got dismissed cheaply on 17 off 70 by Josh Tongue. The southpaw stepped up in the second innings and notched up 77 runs to help his team put up 279 runs on the board. Khawaja became the highest run-getter for the Aussies in the innings. So far, Khawaja is the leading run-scorer in the competition, chalking up 300 runs with a ton and two half-centuries in four innings of two Tests. The 36-year-old will now look to be at his best in the upcoming matches and help his side to dominate the hosts and retain the urn. 1. Steven Smith After failing in the first Test at Edgbaston, Steven Smith dominated England in the second Test at the iconic Lord’s. In the first innings, Smith stitched a 102-run partnership along with Marnus Labuschagne and made England bowlers’ job difficult in the contest. Following Labuschagne’s dismissal, Smith continued his assault on the hosts along with Travis Head as well. Along with Head, Smith built a 118-run partnership and helped his team to amass 416 runs at the end of its innings. In the second innings, Smith showcased his mettle with the bat again and came heavily on England bowlers, scoring 34 off 62 with five fours. At the end of the game, the veteran also got the Player of the Match award for his sensational knock in the contest. In the Headingley Test, skipper Pat Cummins will expect Smith to power Australia’s batting line-up with his talent.

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Ashes 2023: Five players to watch out for in the 3rd Test

These players can play a key role in their team's campaign in the third Test to be played at Headingley, Leeds.

1. Steven Smith

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